Mock Draft: Lions Target QB, EDGE, LB in Later Rounds

The Detroit Lions sit less than three weeks away from the beginning of the 2026 NFL Draft (April 23-25).

This is Brad Holmes’ and the scouting department’s time to shine, with the draft being the primary way that Detroit was rebuilt when Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell began their respective tenures in 2021.

Key players such as Aidan Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, Jack Campbell, Amon-Ra St. Brown and many more came to Detroit via the draft, and have turned the Lions into a star-powered squad.

In this mock draft, the Lions fortify the trenches, addressing key areas of need to load up for a return to the playoffs this upcoming season.

Round 1, Pick No. 17—OT Spencer Fano, Utah

In this dream scenario, Fano falls down the board, with Vega Ioane and CJ Allen each getting taken over the Utah tackle and putting Detroit in prime position to capitalize on other teams’ oversights.

Fano is a player that has an argument as the top tackle of the draft, or second-best behind Miami (Fla.)’s Francis Mauigoa. Fano is a surefire plug-and-play right tackle, with Larry Borom becoming a swing tackle with plenty of experience and production to ease any uncertainty.

The Lions laugh their way to the podium, and likely get yelled at by television producers for turning their card in too quickly, in round one.

Round 2, Pick 50—EDGE Malachi Lawrence, UCF

Lawrence is a player who has been gaining some momentum in draft circles, and he provides an intriguing option in Detroit. With 19.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss over his last three seasons at UCF, Lawrence is a destructive force.

He has improved each of the last three seasons, with a career-high 40 pressures during his last season in college. With his size, he could be an intriguing candidate to bump out to linebacker during camp. He did not have to play coverage much in college, with less than 40 career snaps.

However, his burst and versatility, along with some struggles that could stop him from being a premier power rusher, make him a player that is a candidate for a ‘tweener’ role.

Round 4, Pick 118 – EDGE Mikail Kamara, Indiana

Kamara is a player who has the heart and ability that matches with Detroit perfectly. Kamara followed Curt Cignetti from James Madison and burst onto the scene with the Hoosiers in 2024, with 10 sacks and 15 TFL.

His numbers took a massive step back last season, with only a pair of sacks, dropping his draft stock. However, his pressure numbers remained high, and the Hoosier was a dominant force on the field during the run to a National Title, including blocking a punt in the championship game.

Kamara is a player full of heart and grit, and his numbers downplay the impact he has on the field.

Round 4, Pick 128—CB Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin

Demmings is one of the more underrated corners in the class. Coming from the FCS is not an easy transition to the NFL, but with the raw athleticism and ability like Demmings, he flew up the draft boards in February with a 4.41 40-yard dash and a 42-inch vertical.

He primarily played man coverage with the Lumberjacks, and that will translate well with Detroit. Corner is a sneaky need in Motown, with Terrion Arnold’s status up in the air and Ennis Rakestraw suffering through injuries.

Round 5, Pick 157—OT Isaiah World, Oregon

World is a pick for the future, as the offensive tackle tore his ACL in a playoff loss to Indiana in January. Brad Holmes has been known to dip into the well of injured players falling in the draft, and 2026 could see the same scenario play out.

World had found himself in Day 2 conversations prior to the injury, and with Detroit addressing a few needs (primarily tight end, running back, and defensive line depth) in free agency, the option to pick up a future contributor is an easy one.

World is a cheaper option than retaining Borom multiple years, and much more proven than Giovanni Manu was coming out of British Columbia.

Round 5, Pick 181—QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson

This is the first real curveball of the mock draft, with Detroit taking the Clemson signal-caller in the fifth round of the draft. With multiple EDGE rushers taken, a corner and multiple linemen, Klubnik was too intriguing to pass on as he fell down the draft board.

The Tigers product has tons of experience in a system that has sent multiple quarterbacks to the NFL, along with keeping the turnover count low, with 12 interceptions between his last two seasons. That spans nearly 900 throws, and Klubnik also adds mobility with 11 rushing touchdowns between 2024 and 2025.

One noted struggle that Klubnik has is needing a run game to complement him, similar to Jared Goff. This selection also frees Detroit from playing the “will Teddy Bridgewater retire” game in the offseason, assuming Klubnik progresses as expected.

Round 6, Pick 205—IOL Matt Gulbin, Michigan State

Gulbin was a player that stood out during a nightmare season for Michigan State, with the Spartans limping to a 4-8 record. The one-year transfer was a lone bright star, racking up All-Big Ten honors along with recording some of the best grades among all centers in college football.

However, Gulbin has slipped down from his Day 2 status after an injury forced him to miss time. It cost him the final game for MSU, postseason all-star bowls and the NFL Combine. That said, he returned to action for MSU’s Pro Day last month, and said he was fully prepared for rookie camps.

Round 6, Pick 213—EDGE George Gumbs Jr., Florida

Another EDGE selection for Detroit, this one being the most athletic of the trio in George Gumbs Jr. The Gator started his career at Northern Illinois as a tight end, but moved to the defensive side of the ball and fought his way into the SEC.

Gumbs recorded five sacks in 2024, but only 2.5 last year. However, he has the athleticism and newness to the position that gives the rangy prospect a high ceiling, which is what general managers and coaches are looking for in the later rounds of the draft.

Round 7, Pick 222—LB Jimmy Rolder, Michigan

Rolder is a linebacker that is one of the most overlooked in the class. The one-year starter for the Wolverines had some highlight moments in his last season in Ann Arbor, and his production implies there is more in the tank with more time on the field.

Michigan is an NFL factory for defenses, which eases some concerns over Rolder not seeing much playing time until his senior year. There are some concerns on his athleticism, along with his strength not being at a level needed to shed many blockers.

However, if one flips on the tape of Michigan vs. Michigan State last fall, Rolder is arguably the best defensive player on the field. That game in particular solidified a belief that he can contribute heavily in the NFL.